Cambodia lifts ban on catfish imports from Vietnam

Cambodia has decided to resume importing four species of catfish, including pangasius, from neighbouring countries including Vietnam.

Cambodia has decided to lift ban on catfish imports from Vietnam. (Illustrative image).

The move comes after Vietnam sent a letter to Cambodia, requesting it to consider its ban on catfish imports from neighbouring countries, starting from January 8, 2021.

The ban was said to protect local farmers but go against trade liberalization rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries on February 8 said it will continue to consult with the Cambodian Aquaculture Association, seafood import-export businesses and authorized agencies to develop and recognize technical standards.

Le Bien Cuong, head of the Vietnamese Trade Office in Cambodia, told Vietnam News Agency, that Cambodia has shown goodwill and positive response to the Vietnamese concerns regarding trade liberation under the WTO and AEC rules.

According to experts, Cambodia is working to resolve difficulties in the domestic aquaculture industry in order to enhance its competitiveness in line with the principles of free trade, protect human health, animals, and the environment, and promote commercial growth.

Cambodia is not Vietnam’s big seafood consumer, but its import remains stable, contributing to border trade development between the two countries.

According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Trade and Industry, Cambodia imports approximately US$60 million worth of seafood from Vietnam annually.